BACKYARD HABITATING ELECT PREZ BY POP VOTE WHITE & YELLOW PAGES SEARCH WITH DOGPILE LINK EXCHANGE APPALACHIAN INSTITUTE PRIVACY POLICY
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(not all areas allow camping)
Abram's Creek Retreat in Garden, WV 304-613-9340 Allbright Campground in Allbright, WV 304-329-3626 Alpine Shores in Bowden, WV 304-636-4311 Big Ridge Campground in Mathias, WV 304-897-6404 Camp Shaw-Mi-Del-Eca in Caldwell, WV 304-536-7464 Greenbrier Mountain Aire in Caldwell, WV 304-536-1512 Falling Waters Campground in Falling Waters, WV 304-724-2791 Harpers Ferry KOA in Harpers Ferry, WV 304-535-6895 Mountain State Travel Park in Glen Morgan, WV 304-253-4536 Nahkeeta Campsite in Martinsburg, WV 304-263-5382 Pipestem KOA near Pipestem Resort 304-466-5114 Whisper Mountain Campground in Roanoke, WV 304-452-8847
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GOOD CAMPGROUND ETIQUETTE ALWAYS APPRECIATED
To those who enjoy camping, West Virginia offers some of the best, whether it be in national forest areas, in state parks, or in privately owned campgrounds. No matter which you prefer, there are some unwritten "rules" that make the experience better for everyone concerned. Remembering the simple "Golden Rule" should suffice, but often some folks just don't think. They are on vacation, and they seem to have left their manners at home.
We've included a few bits and pieces that we hope will keep all of us good campers and camping neighbors. There is no particular order of importance, because all are equally important.
® Read and heed all campground rules that you may be given or that you see posted. ® Check to se if collection of wood for campfires is allowed. If so, only collect dead wood on the ground. Only burn wood (no pine) and paper in the fire. ® Please observe quiet hours and don't be excessively noisy at any times. ® Use the bathrooms provided. This shouldn't need to be even mentioned, but it is. ® Pitch your tents and situate campers in the proper areas. Don't make your own spot! ® Clean up after yourself in the bathrooms and showers. ® Put all trash in the proper containers. Clean up picnic tables. Don't leave food or scraps lying around. ® Respect others' campsites. Don't walk through or even get on others' sites. There are paths or roads that will get you where you want to go. ® Clean up after your pet! Again, this should be an unnecessary reminder, but it seems that some think it is just fine to ignore their dog's leavings. ® Don't feed the wildlife. This endangers their lives. ® Drive slowly through the campground.
If you have any more suggestions for us, send us a note and we will add it to the above list.
Below is a recent article on a special campground in the Eastern Panhandle. Before we send it to the archives, read about Willow Run Farms if you haven't already.
WILLOW RUN FARMS... Not Your Typical Campground
The links on either side of this page will take you to many different campgrounds in the Mountain State. Some are located in state parks and forests, are quiet and remote, some offer swimming pools, stores, and a resort-like atmosphere, and there are those that fall in between. One spot, however, is truly unique and deserves mention in this premier issue of West Virginia Life and Recreation. I’m talking about a campground called Willow Run Farms, located near Hedgesville. Hedgesville is in the Eastern Panhandle a few miles northwest of Martinsburg.
A bit of history about Willow Run Farms: The property is a farm that has been in the family for 45 years. Geraldine Zinner and her husband Paul lived there in a stone farmhouse built around 1810 until Paul passed away and Geraldine moved in with her daughter and son-in-law in another house on the property. Geraldine, daughter Katherine Cimaglio, and her husband Ed wanted to preserve the farm with its beautiful views, wildlife, and serenity, so they decided to do something out of the ordinary. This is not your typical campground by any means!
First of all, it is still a working farm. Because the owners want to provide a place where people can enjoy nature in peace and quiet, no vehicles, generators, or other gasoline engines are allowed. Please also leave your pets at home. This is a place for those who really want to embrace solitude and the environment. There are four tent camping sites that are spaced far enough apart so the camping experience is more peaceful. Each has a fire ring, table, and lantern bracket. There are two tipi sites (yes, I said tipis – more on this later) that have the same amenities as the tent sites, but that also each include an indoor fire ring. Outhouses are convenient to the camping sites. Campers are shuttled from the parking area to the camping area in four wheel drive vehicles. The parking area is only about a quarter of a mile away, so don’t worry, you aren’t completely away from civilization! Five miles of trails have been cleared for hiking, and these trails take you through both woods and fields. Hiking trails are also available Fridays and Saturdays from 9:00 until dark to anyone wishing to come and simply take day-hikes but not stay overnight. There isn’t a charge for hiking-only, but there is a donation box that helps the owners maintain the trails.
Back to those tipis, teepees, tepees, or however you want to spell it. You may rent these permanent structures that are more roomy and luxurious than an ordinary tent. They sleep four to six people and still have room for gear. The fire pit inside will provide warmth when the weather cools. Other amenities are available. A trading post, giftshop and art studio are on the premises. Cross country skiing and sledding are promoted during winter. Special events and meetings can also be accommodated. The family has also recently converted the stone house into the Cider Mill House Bed and Breakfast. If you are more “into” primitive camping experiences, then Willow Run Farms can give you what you are looking for. Lie back and listen to the cows, watch for deer and wild turkeys, catch a fleeting glimpse of a red fox, and gaze at the stars. Go back to a simpler time and enjoy!
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